Our heritage centre

About the heritage centre

Our local and family history collections are available for all residents and local visitors to browse. With over 15,000 items, they provide a record of all aspects of life and society and the natural and human environments of the area now known as Lower Hutt.

What can I find in the heritage centre’s collection?

Our collection is often used extensively by school and tertiary students, as well as historical and genealogical researchers.

It holds:

• Historical newspaper collections, photographs, historical maps, plans and charts
• Community newsletters, local history and Hutt publications
• Local directories, telephone books and electoral rolls
• Local government reports and plans
• Local school magazines
• Genealogical resources
• Cemetery and burial records

If you’re after current copies of newspapers, local directories, telephone books, electoral rolls, local government reports and plans, you can find these at the War Memorial Library and other community libraries.

Small local history collections are also held at Eastbourne, Petone and Wainuiomata Community Libraries.

For burial plot location enquiries, try our online search. If you're unable to find the details you require, you’ll need to get in touch with us at Council.

Location and opening hours

We’re open to everyone. To find out more and explore these unique resources, come along to the heritage centre, Petone Library, Britannia Street.

When is the heritage centre open?

We’re open Monday to Friday from 10am until 5.30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5pm.

For enquiries, call one of our team on 04 568 6253 or email libraries@huttcity.govt.nz.